The Prancing Pony Podcast – Episode 346: "Already Gone" Summary

Release Date: October 27, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 346 of The Prancing Pony Podcast titled "Already Gone," hosts Alan Sisto and Don Marshall delve deep into the rich tapestry of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, focusing specifically on the extensive history of Númenor as detailed in Appendix A1 of The Lord of the Rings. This episode marks the podcast's ninth season, featuring Alan alongside a rotating cast of passionate Tolkien enthusiasts who bring both scholarly insight and a touch of humor to their discussions.

Welsh Translation of The Hobbit: Interview with Adam Pearce

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to an insightful interview with Adam Pearce, the editor of Mellon Baptist—a Welsh publishing house—and the translator behind the Welsh rendition of The Hobbit.

Motivation Behind the Translation

Adam Pearce shares his profound connection to Tolkien's work and the Welsh language, stating:

“I am a massive Tolkien fan and obviously also Welsh. So, you know, it's kind of a logical thing for me to do. As soon as I kind of really registered that it hadn't been done, I thought, oh, someone should really do that.” (04:39)

He emphasizes the cultural significance of Welsh to Tolkien, noting that while translations into over 60 languages exist, Welsh lacked a translation despite its influence on Tolkien's own linguistic creations, such as Sindarin.

Challenges in Translation

Pearce discusses the intricate challenges of translating The Hobbit into Welsh, particularly regarding the preservation of Tolkien's invented languages and dialects:

“I didn't change the orthography of the dwarfs' names into Welsh because they're meant to be in sort of Dwarvish, so they're not meant to look familiar.” (10:03)

He meticulously maintained original names like "Gandalf" and "Smaug" to preserve their distinctiveness while Welshifying names from the common tongue, such as changing "Bilbo Baggins" to "Bilbo Baglan," the latter being a real village in Wales.

Reception and Impact

Pearce proudly shares the positive reception of his translation:

“Some people have said everything about this is perfect. It's as if Tolkien had written it in Welsh.” (32:10)

He highlights that the translation has not only been commercially successful within the Welsh-speaking community but has also encouraged readers to engage more deeply with the Welsh language.

Exploring the Lineage of Númenorean Kings and Queens

The heart of the episode revolves around an extensive exploration of Númenor's royal lineage, as chronicled in the appendices of Tolkien's works. Alan and Don breathe life into a seemingly tedious list of names and dates, uncovering the personalities, policies, and pivotal events that shaped Númenor over its 3,400-year history.

Key Rulers and Their Reigns

1. Elros Tarminyataur

   • The first King of Númenor, Elros, was born 58 years before the Second Age. Notably, despite his extended lifespan, he chose to lay down his life at 500 years old due to the inherent weariness that distinguishes Men from Elves.
   • Don remarks: “He was given the chief human characteristic that distinguishes them from the elves—the seeking weariness or desire to depart from the world.” (39:20)

2. Vardamir Tar

   • Elros's successor who chose to relinquish the scepter early, establishing a tradition of peaceful succession.
   • Alan notes: “Vardamir was already 381 years old when Elros died, so he handed the scepter to his son, Tar Amandil.” (42:07)

3. Amandil Tar and Elendil Tar

   • Amandil, meaning "lover of Amon," laid the groundwork for the loyalist line that would survive Númenor's downfall.
   • Elendil, known as "Parmaite" or "book in hand," emphasized the preservation of lore, much like Tolkien's own meticulous world-building.

4. Telperion and Menastir Tar

   • Telperion's reign marked the beginning of Númenor's renewed friendship with the Elves, while Menastir continued military expansions.

5. Kiritan Tar and Atanamir Tar

   • Kiritan expanded Númenor's maritime dominance, whereas Atanamir's reign saw increased wealth but also growing envy of Elven immortality.

6. Ankalime Tar

   • The first ruling queen, Ankalime, struggled with her consort's dominance and eventual usurpation by her nephew, marking the beginning of darker times for Númenor.

7. Ar Adunakor (Pharazon the Golden)

   • The last king who, driven by pride and manipulated by Sauron, defied the Valar's ban and led Númenor to its catastrophic downfall.

Policies and Cultural Shifts

A recurring theme throughout Númenor's history is the shift from agnatic primogeniture (succession through male heirs) to absolute primogeniture (succession by the eldest child, regardless of gender). This change, initiated by Aldarion Tar, represents Númenor's evolving societal structures and sets the stage for internal conflicts.

The Shadow Falls: Corruption and the Rise of Sauron

As Númenor's kings increasingly succumb to greed and the lust for immortality, the influence of Sauron grows. The division between the King's Men and the Faithful widens, leading to persecution and the eventual rebellion against Númenor's ruling elite.

Key Points:

• Autonomy Tar and Sauron's Manipulation: Autonomy, also known as the Unwilling, attempts to correct the kingdom's descent into darkness but fails to sway the majority.

• Rebellion and the Final Act: Under Ar Pharazon's rule, driven by Sauron's deceit, Númenor breaches the Valar's ban, leading to the island's submergence and the end of its golden era.

“Memorializing this, you need not boggle at this spirit carrying off the One Ring...” (101:25)

The episode meticulously recounts the tragic downfall, emphasizing the consequences of unchecked ambition and the manipulation of dark powers.

Notable Quotes

• Adam Pearce on Translation Motivation:

  “I am a massive Tolkien fan and obviously also Welsh. So, you know, it's kind of a logical thing for me to do.” (04:39)

• Discussion on Elros's Choice:

  “He was given the chief human characteristic that distinguishes them from the elves—the seeking weariness or desire to depart from the world.” (39:20)

• On Sauron's Persistence:

  “I love that one need not boggle at this spirit carrying off the One Ring.” (101:25)

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

Episode 346 serves as a compelling exploration of Númenor's intricate history, blending scholarly analysis with engaging discussion. The hosts successfully transform a dense series of historical accounts into an enthralling narrative, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with the detailed appendices. As they conclude, Alan and Don foreshadow future episodes that will continue to unravel the complexities of Middle-earth's lore, including the establishment of Arnor and Gondor and the enduring legacy of Elendil and his lineage.

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the podcast's vibrant community across various social media platforms and support the show through Patreon for exclusive content and perks.

For those eager to delve deeper into Númenor's history or explore the nuances of Tolkien's languages, Episode 346 of The Prancing Pony Podcast is a must-listen, offering both depth and accessibility in its examination of one of Middle-earth's most pivotal realms.